'HER STORY' with Gabriela Prado

Welcome to Her Story, a new interview series by the ShowHeroes Group Women’s Network, dedicated to exploring the unique and inspiring career journeys of women in our industry. At ShowHeroes, we’re committed to empowering and inspiring women to take charge of their careers.  Through candid conversations with professionals from diverse backgrounds, this series aims to provide valuable insights, career advice, and personal stories that empower and guide women in their professional growth.

In this second edition, we sit down with Gabriela Prado, Director ROLA (Rest of LATAM) – Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Perú, a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in the digital industry. As Director of ROLA, Gabriela has spent nearly a decade shaping success at ShowHeroes.

Read on to discover Gabriela’s key takeaways on career growth, who inspires her, and how she is carving out a fulfilling professional path.

Please introduce yourself: What’s your name, profession, and why are you excited about this topic?

Hello! I’m Gabi, a marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in the digital industry. I studied Marketing in Mexico and Business Administration in Spain. Currently, I work at ShowHeroes as the Director of ROLA (Rest of LATAM). As of February 2025, I have celebrated 9 years with the company.

I’m excited about this topic because career growth has always been a core motivator for me. I believe that reflecting on personal and professional development not only helps us understand how far we’ve come, but also shapes the way forward. I’m passionate about sharing my journey, learning from others, and exploring how I can continue to evolve as a professional and leader.

What is career growth MEAN to you?

Career growth is a continuous learning journey, evolving and achieving new levels of personal and professional fulfillment. It’s not just about climbing the corporate ladder or achieving titles; it’s about expanding my skills, building meaningful relationships, and making a positive impact through my work.

Career growth also means stepping out of my comfort zone to embrace challenges, take on new responsibilities, and adapt to change. It’s about aligning my values and passions with my professional goals, ensuring that my work remains both rewarding and impactful.

What, when, and who was most impactful or inspiring for you to grow your career? (That sort of ‘a-ha’ moment)

The first and most impactful source of inspiration in my career has been my father. He taught me that being responsible and hardworking can take you further than you might ever imagine. His values and example instilled a strong work ethic and the drive to always aim higher.

The second significant influence was a former boss who consistently pushed me out of my comfort zone. He believed in my abilities even more than I believed in myself at the time. This encouragement led me to take on challenges I would have never considered on my own and ultimately taught me the value of growth through discomfort.

These two figures and their lessons have shaped my mindset and approach to my career, inspiring me to embrace responsibility, persistence, and self-belief as key pillars of success.

What can women do to advance in their careers faster and push for that career growth? Why does it matter?

Advancing in a career as a woman often starts with building confidence and embracing opportunities, even when they seem intimidating. It’s crucial to advocate for yourself, whether negotiating for a promotion, seeking mentorship, or asking for challenging projects that showcase your skills.

This matters because when women advance in their careers, they bring diverse perspectives that enrich decision-making, innovation, and company culture. Additionally, women in leadership roles inspire future generations and help break barriers, creating a more equitable and inclusive professional landscape.

Which field(S) or area(S) was most impactful to advance your career?

One of the most impactful areas for advancing my career has been building strong client relationships. Focusing on understanding client needs, delivering results, and promoting trust has consistently opened doors for new opportunities and growth. This skill has strengthened my reputation and expanded my network, which has been invaluable in the digital industry.

Another key area has been leadership and team management. Developing these skills required stepping into roles that pushed me to grow, such as managing businesses in different countries. My first experience was in Chile, where I had the opportunity to lead a business as a foreigner. Over time, I’ve taken on more responsibility across the Southern Cone region, which has broadened my perspective and enhanced my ability to adapt to diverse markets, cultures, and teams.

Lastly, staying ahead in the digital marketing space has been critical. One of the things I enjoy most about this industry is that you are constantly learning and evolving. This keeps me motivated and allows me to bring fresh ideas and innovative strategies to my work.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS AND KEEP DEVELOPING THEM FURTHER?

Figuring out my strengths has been a combination of self-reflection, feedback, and experience. Early in my career, I noticed that I excelled in building strong relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders. This strength became clear when I consistently received feedback about my ability to foster trust, communicate effectively, and deliver results.

Another strength I’ve discovered is adaptability. Leading business operations across different countries, like Chile and the Southern Cone region, taught me how to navigate diverse challenges and cultures while maintaining focus on strategic goals.

To keep developing my strengths, I actively seek feedback from peers, mentors, and team members. I also invest in continuous learning by reading books related to leadership and business, as well as staying updated on industry trends and news.

By consistently building on what I’m naturally good at while remaining open to growth, I’ve been able to make a meaningful impact in my career and continue advancing toward new opportunities.